While I appreciate the new tools, please keep this in mind: The reason Substack felt like safe harbor for writers like me, is that it was only about the writing. It's not just that you don't have to worry about design or that design is easy. It's that you don't have to feel obligated to make your writing prettier, or spend time doing the…
While I appreciate the new tools, please keep this in mind: The reason Substack felt like safe harbor for writers like me, is that it was only about the writing. It's not just that you don't have to worry about design or that design is easy. It's that you don't have to feel obligated to make your writing prettier, or spend time doing the self-promotional stuff that distracts one from the focus on the work. It is great to be able to chat with people and read notes, but I already feel the need to acquire "likes" and such. It's the pull of that dopamine hit of approval. Please don't become every other social media platform. There are lots of places for visual content, or even snappy banter. This is the only place that's really about the writing. I'm not saying don't add features. Just please be aware of what you risk losing. Thanks.
Not to disagree, as I agree with simplicity, but I do appreciate being able to choose page colour, font, and basic layout, from some simple options. I also write to pictures, in my work, so they are crucial for me. I do my best to describe what a clearcut does to an ancient forest, but pictures are still vital. cheers
I'm cool with some limited options for making stuff look good, so long as it remains easy for the average writer who doesn't write CSS code. It's the "get out there and plug your stuff in the social media notes" that bothers me. I really loved it when the only way to increase your audience (at least inside Substack) was to write things that people felt worth sharing and recommending. It was kind of pure in a world where the only talent valued is the talent for self promotion.
Just today, I mentioned your exact comment about "the writing being the heart of it" to a writer friend of mine as a reason she should check Substack out. She was very moved by your point. You have a friend you haven't met yet, for life, lol.
I'm really happy with Substack, for exactly the reason you said. Priorities are right, and it makes it easy for non-tech people to blog really clearly and well. I don't have any Social Media myself, not even FB. However, I recognise that SM (Ess and Emm, lol), can be good ways to get excellent pieces of writing through the Dominant Society Filter to find new people. Cheers!
As an artist, I'm much too concerned about prettying up my page and have found I will eat up my nights messing with stuff. I'm enjoying the restraint of just a few options.
I couldn't agree more, Esther. Lots of new features and bells and whistles make me worried that I'll be spending too much time with them, whereas for me, it should really be all about the writing!
Thank you, totally agree. The pull of likes is so toxic. I try to justify that "I'm growing my newsletter" but am I really? Even new subscribers you "collect" here, if so lucky, aren't necessarily really reading. I think the real readers will find their way if we are free to just focus on the good work of making good writing, end of story. (I do like to make things prettier though since I'm very visual and love design, it's the social pressure component now that worries me.)
Yeah, that's the problem with pure numbers. You can have X subscribers, but how many are really reading? For my part, I want readers, not numbers.
I see the changes happening here which are focused on numbers, metrics, etc. without considering if this produces engaged readers or just a higher dot on a line chart. It concerns me because Substack was great, focused sharply on delivering writing to folks.
I find the movement toward social media not so welcome. However, I understand it's probably inevitable because the #1 rule of tech is that you can never let a good thing be.
IDK. In my experience as a reader, don't lots of folks subscribe just for access and then go straight to the site themselves (instead of messing with emails)? That's what I do. My inbox is overcrowded already with subscriptions. I just go to those sites on my own after I've signed up.
I totally get what you're saying, but I'm elated that Substack has added these features. I hope it adds more. I literally just started an account as a creator, and I probably wouldn't have done so if it didn't have these features.
The added features are actually really basic, and I have no doubt that quality writing will remain the primary focus. It is central to Substack's identity. More features that promote creativity, expressiveness and practicality won't change the focus. They simply allow creators to further personalize the pages (if they choose to) and better organize their posts for presentation to their readers.
For example, adding sections and tags were key points for me. And being able to have my own logo and other customizable options were very important. I ran a successful blog/multi-page website for three years in the late 2000s, and the appearance and versatility of the site were high priorities for me — even though excellent writing was the main attraction. I'm not quite as concerned about site design now as I was then, because it can be time-consuming, but I definitely want some legit flexibility of design and organization. I want the options.
I'm sorry that you feel pressured or obligated by the changes. I think having more ways for creators to express themselves is a positive thing. And folks want some tools to help their sites get found. It doesn't mean everybody has to employ all these features. Just keep doing you.
Personally, I'm not at all concerned about Substack turning into Facebook, Twitter, Insta, etc. It's a whole different animal. And I couldn't care less about the "like" button at this point. It's pretty standard everywhere nowadays, like cruise-control in cars. The real "like" button for Substack is subscribers and views.
Quality content will always win the day. If the work isn't good, people aren't going to stick around, come back or sign up — no matter how flashy the site looks or how much traffic flows through.
Hell, I should have read further down before repeating a lot of what you just said...HAHAH. With you 100% -- and I'm new here also. For me it was "just" enough customization but not so much I have to maintain/update things.
I wanted to set everything up, make sure the reader experience will be good (sections/tags), make it mine with custom art -- then create. Just write, draw, podcast...and be consistent.
All Substack would have to do is add the option of multiple tier options and I believe this would be the dominant writing platform on the internet.
It's crazy that Substack is still missing some incredibly BASIC features, which is frustrating. I mean, we can't even wrap text around a picture (which is the most basic thing ever for any webpage). All pictures have to be centered with no wraparound. Like, really?!?
I hope they keep adding design features (at least add the frickin' basics) and also more traffic-generating features. If they do so, I agree that they could dominate this arena of the internet.
There's no reason for Substack to be so limiting. Its business model — the underlying architecture of subscriptions, email marketing, a content-centric framework, serious creators, and the wonderful Substack community, etc. — would be unaffected and remain intact.
Those building blocks are the main draw of Substack in the first place (which made many of us forgo other platforms that offer more design features, SEO, etc.), so why not enhance it and give creators here more options? Quality content and Substack's foundational values would still rule the day.
Plus, *design* is a form of content in and of itself! (Of course the writing and/or visual art centerpieces would still have to be compelling to gain and retain an audience.)
BTW, your site looks AMAZING,!! Incredible. You are massively talented. I can only imagine what it would look like if Substack wasn't so limited in design capabilities, because what you've done is absolutely fantastic!
People should check it out. (And it might help them understand what you and I are talking about.) Truly unbelievable!
I have yet to officially launch my site (which will be quite different and paired-down compared to yours, like a totally different vibe and focus. Hopefully it will happen by the end of the month or early next month.
Anyway... I really was blown away by your site! For folks reading this, check out his site here:
I'm just curious, because I do some cartooning, do you draw on a computer program? My cartoon drawing certainly isn't at the level of your artwork, but I'd like to be able to create in a way that translates to digital platforms. Do you need a touch-screen computer or accessories for drawing/painting? For example, how do you fill colors in spaces so precisely? Do you have to do all of that manually or is there software that you work with?
First off, you might hate me for this, but I’m actually going to side with Substack on NOT allowing the wrap around text...because I just discovered /noticed something you may also appreciate...
I had several friends look up LifeOfFiction.com on their phones and they each saw the EXACT SAME THING.
Now, when they go to WantedHero.com which is my wiki-on-cocaine connected to LifeOfFiction.com, they each get jumbled results...because they each have a different screen size.
My site doesn’t render equally, BECAUSE of wrap around text. Some phones look horrid -- with a single word scrunched next to a pic, and it throws it all off.
Once I saw that? I get it. This is perfect. It’s not “everything” but it makes my Substack look good on ANY device.
So consider that.
As for the art, thanks. I appreciate the compliment. I need to put up a lot more art, but it’s coming.
As for the art itself, I used to be old school and then scan it all in, adjust in PS,...but I’ve since learned to hate Adobe and THEIR subscription model. After more than 15 years I dropped them and went with Affinity software from the UK.
Infinitely better, you own it, no internet connection required, $75 per software. They have the equivalent to Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I used all three, replaced all three about 4 years ago,...beat decision ever.
How I MAKE the artwork:
IPad and ProCreate. Bought them 7 years ago...haven’t killed a tree since.
Unlimited YT videos and programs to learn the software. It’s $12. That’s it. Walks over other programs without breathing hard. Exclusively for the iPad....so treat yourself to a big iPad.
I bought a used 12.9” Pro for $1100 with 1TB storage. Procreate allows layers depending on your storage space. So go big. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for software insights! Much appreciated. What platform did you use for your other site? I had a site 10 years ago through WordPress.ORG and wraparound was no problem across devices and browsers. It was always consistent, bc I used templates that were designed for both laptops and mobile/tablet devices. (And wraparound works perfectly fine for professional sites.)
That's why I'm surprised the Substack platform doesn't even include it. It's included elsewhere with no issues.
The problem with WordPress (whether it's .org or .com) is that you have to do so much of the heavy lifting on your own with coding and plugins.
I definitely hear what you're saying about wraparound text and consistency across devices and browsers, but it's very commonly featured on many platforms.
All I'm saying is I want some more options, which should be doable by Substack. And, like I said, there are lots of pros to Substack that outweigh some of the cons. I just get a little frustrated sometimes.
First off, I always used Wordpress, and still do for other business, like https://JaimeBuckley.com for artwork. Yes, the heavy lifting can be rough -- which is one of the main reasons I came here. I was tired of the work, the maintenance, and the constant hacking by people wanting to take kids reading my comics to porn sites was the last straw for me.
The mobile versions of site are common, yes, but they still (most I experience) still look questionable on my little iPhone screen. So there's definitely an argument for both sides.
But I'll say something that won't likely be brought up -- and that is keeping an impressive light on Substack...
Having the ability to custom design a site doesn't mean you should. It's like having a builder that can design the most structurally sound building, but he/she has ZERO design sense. The only thing you get in the end is an eye sore that will...never...die.
IMO Substack has created quite a perfect balance, because no matter who you are, I don't think you can screw up your own stack visually.
It might not be as visually stunning as, say a photographer displaying their skills, but you won't make the community look bad, either. That, for me is important. Snobbish of me, YES, but important.
Thing is, the moment Substack makes that change, and maybe it's what you want for your site/stack,...it also affects mine.
Forever.
So though I see your point (and I don't disagree with you either), PLUS I have a wish list myself, I've experienced far too much to inflict what I want onto the whole community. This is me, just saying I get why Substack is being cautious, and maybe, just maybe, we can't see the over-arching decisions, because this isn't my business.
SS has more than two cartoonists to take into consideration (grin).
Doable isn't the same as 'should'.
When I came to that conclusion, I asked myself, "Does NOT having such-and-such a feature make the platform less effective?"
Makes sense, but I have confidence in my design abilities. And people can always just flip to the next Substack site if they don't like one or another. (I mean, some Substack sites contain borderline hate-speech, which I find more offensive and polluting than any sort of tacky design could ever be.)
Plus, the main reason I came here, aside from Substack's business model, was because I didn't want to be tied up with design and other features (because I could happily spend endless hours tweaking and perfecting those aspects). I wanted to primarily focus on my written content without getting sidetracked.
Like I said, I'd be happy if Substack just added a few more basics of design/features. I'm not asking for it to be Wordpress. Just some more of the basics.
Anyway... I enjoyed checking out your business site. Pretty awesome.
I get it. Like I said, I don't disagree with your points,...I could make them sing also. For me, it's only about how does it affect us as a whole.
Each feature will, in fact, hold all of us up to a flame...or maybe I should say, a flashlight...and then we will be compared in different ways.
That's precisely why those features are important to artists like us, though, right? Yeah, so I get it. For me, I think there's a good balance right now...and I'd love some clever ways to grow an audience tacked on instead.
I have a first tier goal of 3000 paid subscribers, then I'm happy to talk about everything else.
Hey Jaime, looks like your site is coming along great! I was just curious, how do you make some photos/artwork within posts go all the way across the screen (beyond the horizontal parameters of the text blocks for each post)? I noticed it on your site and a small handful of other sites.
On all artwork you post, if you hover your cursor over the top right corner of the art, a small bubble with 3 dots will appear. Click that and you'll get the options for 'alt text', etc...but you'll also see an option to widen the art to "large" or I believe "full-width".
Wrapping text doesn't require knowing code. It just means your image can be on the left or right and text will "wrap" or continue on either side of the image. It can save space, looks nice and allows for smaller images. So basic. I wish Substack had it.
I so much agree with your POV. I was on a month-long hiatus from Substack and upon my return, I couldn't help but wonder, "is it the same Substack?" Yes, adding new features and updates is cool... until it eludes the core of the craft--writing.
I'm torn here. I agree with you wholeheartedly, Antonia...fled social media and my own websites, leaving all the complicated stuff behind. Thing is, I'm a cartoonist, so visual features are critical for me.
Again, I'm with you about the CSS code also...I was compelled to learn it for my other site. I just want to write, and compliment my writing with my own artwork.
What I appreciate about Substack, is it's all buttons and simple choices with customization. That's all. There's no code to worry about. It's just a combination of choices to make things look prettier. IF you want it.
It allows me to use my art in a better way, so potential readers can easily find me through a comic strip...
This is me saying I agree, but there's more to it. The powerful automated way our Substacks sell, upgrade and help us is, IMO, second to none and I'm delighted to be here. These changes, as I see it, support your point, not hinder it.
While I appreciate the new tools, please keep this in mind: The reason Substack felt like safe harbor for writers like me, is that it was only about the writing. It's not just that you don't have to worry about design or that design is easy. It's that you don't have to feel obligated to make your writing prettier, or spend time doing the self-promotional stuff that distracts one from the focus on the work. It is great to be able to chat with people and read notes, but I already feel the need to acquire "likes" and such. It's the pull of that dopamine hit of approval. Please don't become every other social media platform. There are lots of places for visual content, or even snappy banter. This is the only place that's really about the writing. I'm not saying don't add features. Just please be aware of what you risk losing. Thanks.
Not to disagree, as I agree with simplicity, but I do appreciate being able to choose page colour, font, and basic layout, from some simple options. I also write to pictures, in my work, so they are crucial for me. I do my best to describe what a clearcut does to an ancient forest, but pictures are still vital. cheers
I'm cool with some limited options for making stuff look good, so long as it remains easy for the average writer who doesn't write CSS code. It's the "get out there and plug your stuff in the social media notes" that bothers me. I really loved it when the only way to increase your audience (at least inside Substack) was to write things that people felt worth sharing and recommending. It was kind of pure in a world where the only talent valued is the talent for self promotion.
Just today, I mentioned your exact comment about "the writing being the heart of it" to a writer friend of mine as a reason she should check Substack out. She was very moved by your point. You have a friend you haven't met yet, for life, lol.
I'm really happy with Substack, for exactly the reason you said. Priorities are right, and it makes it easy for non-tech people to blog really clearly and well. I don't have any Social Media myself, not even FB. However, I recognise that SM (Ess and Emm, lol), can be good ways to get excellent pieces of writing through the Dominant Society Filter to find new people. Cheers!
As an artist, I'm much too concerned about prettying up my page and have found I will eat up my nights messing with stuff. I'm enjoying the restraint of just a few options.
second this 100%. I fled social media for substack. it’s still a safe place, but all the new features are beginning to threaten its untouchability
I couldn't agree more, Esther. Lots of new features and bells and whistles make me worried that I'll be spending too much time with them, whereas for me, it should really be all about the writing!
Thank you, totally agree. The pull of likes is so toxic. I try to justify that "I'm growing my newsletter" but am I really? Even new subscribers you "collect" here, if so lucky, aren't necessarily really reading. I think the real readers will find their way if we are free to just focus on the good work of making good writing, end of story. (I do like to make things prettier though since I'm very visual and love design, it's the social pressure component now that worries me.)
Yeah, that's the problem with pure numbers. You can have X subscribers, but how many are really reading? For my part, I want readers, not numbers.
I see the changes happening here which are focused on numbers, metrics, etc. without considering if this produces engaged readers or just a higher dot on a line chart. It concerns me because Substack was great, focused sharply on delivering writing to folks.
I find the movement toward social media not so welcome. However, I understand it's probably inevitable because the #1 rule of tech is that you can never let a good thing be.
Once my email open rate drops below 40% I actively delete those who aren’t engaging as it’s just demotivating.
IDK. In my experience as a reader, don't lots of folks subscribe just for access and then go straight to the site themselves (instead of messing with emails)? That's what I do. My inbox is overcrowded already with subscriptions. I just go to those sites on my own after I've signed up.
That is EXACTLY what I do as well. Thanks Christiaan, for bringing that up. How do I know when my readers area actually reading?
They tell me in the comments and invite more people/share the content. If there's another way to tell, I don't know what it is yet.
I do the same thing. Keeping the open rate high is the real dopamine hit for me.
Vanity metrics otherwise if no-one is engaging.
Truth!
I totally get what you're saying, but I'm elated that Substack has added these features. I hope it adds more. I literally just started an account as a creator, and I probably wouldn't have done so if it didn't have these features.
The added features are actually really basic, and I have no doubt that quality writing will remain the primary focus. It is central to Substack's identity. More features that promote creativity, expressiveness and practicality won't change the focus. They simply allow creators to further personalize the pages (if they choose to) and better organize their posts for presentation to their readers.
For example, adding sections and tags were key points for me. And being able to have my own logo and other customizable options were very important. I ran a successful blog/multi-page website for three years in the late 2000s, and the appearance and versatility of the site were high priorities for me — even though excellent writing was the main attraction. I'm not quite as concerned about site design now as I was then, because it can be time-consuming, but I definitely want some legit flexibility of design and organization. I want the options.
I'm sorry that you feel pressured or obligated by the changes. I think having more ways for creators to express themselves is a positive thing. And folks want some tools to help their sites get found. It doesn't mean everybody has to employ all these features. Just keep doing you.
Personally, I'm not at all concerned about Substack turning into Facebook, Twitter, Insta, etc. It's a whole different animal. And I couldn't care less about the "like" button at this point. It's pretty standard everywhere nowadays, like cruise-control in cars. The real "like" button for Substack is subscribers and views.
Quality content will always win the day. If the work isn't good, people aren't going to stick around, come back or sign up — no matter how flashy the site looks or how much traffic flows through.
Hell, I should have read further down before repeating a lot of what you just said...HAHAH. With you 100% -- and I'm new here also. For me it was "just" enough customization but not so much I have to maintain/update things.
I wanted to set everything up, make sure the reader experience will be good (sections/tags), make it mine with custom art -- then create. Just write, draw, podcast...and be consistent.
All Substack would have to do is add the option of multiple tier options and I believe this would be the dominant writing platform on the internet.
It's crazy that Substack is still missing some incredibly BASIC features, which is frustrating. I mean, we can't even wrap text around a picture (which is the most basic thing ever for any webpage). All pictures have to be centered with no wraparound. Like, really?!?
I hope they keep adding design features (at least add the frickin' basics) and also more traffic-generating features. If they do so, I agree that they could dominate this arena of the internet.
There's no reason for Substack to be so limiting. Its business model — the underlying architecture of subscriptions, email marketing, a content-centric framework, serious creators, and the wonderful Substack community, etc. — would be unaffected and remain intact.
Those building blocks are the main draw of Substack in the first place (which made many of us forgo other platforms that offer more design features, SEO, etc.), so why not enhance it and give creators here more options? Quality content and Substack's foundational values would still rule the day.
Plus, *design* is a form of content in and of itself! (Of course the writing and/or visual art centerpieces would still have to be compelling to gain and retain an audience.)
BTW, your site looks AMAZING,!! Incredible. You are massively talented. I can only imagine what it would look like if Substack wasn't so limited in design capabilities, because what you've done is absolutely fantastic!
People should check it out. (And it might help them understand what you and I are talking about.) Truly unbelievable!
I have yet to officially launch my site (which will be quite different and paired-down compared to yours, like a totally different vibe and focus. Hopefully it will happen by the end of the month or early next month.
Anyway... I really was blown away by your site! For folks reading this, check out his site here:
https://www.lifeoffiction.com/
I'm just curious, because I do some cartooning, do you draw on a computer program? My cartoon drawing certainly isn't at the level of your artwork, but I'd like to be able to create in a way that translates to digital platforms. Do you need a touch-screen computer or accessories for drawing/painting? For example, how do you fill colors in spaces so precisely? Do you have to do all of that manually or is there software that you work with?
First off, you might hate me for this, but I’m actually going to side with Substack on NOT allowing the wrap around text...because I just discovered /noticed something you may also appreciate...
I had several friends look up LifeOfFiction.com on their phones and they each saw the EXACT SAME THING.
Now, when they go to WantedHero.com which is my wiki-on-cocaine connected to LifeOfFiction.com, they each get jumbled results...because they each have a different screen size.
My site doesn’t render equally, BECAUSE of wrap around text. Some phones look horrid -- with a single word scrunched next to a pic, and it throws it all off.
Once I saw that? I get it. This is perfect. It’s not “everything” but it makes my Substack look good on ANY device.
So consider that.
As for the art, thanks. I appreciate the compliment. I need to put up a lot more art, but it’s coming.
As for the art itself, I used to be old school and then scan it all in, adjust in PS,...but I’ve since learned to hate Adobe and THEIR subscription model. After more than 15 years I dropped them and went with Affinity software from the UK.
Infinitely better, you own it, no internet connection required, $75 per software. They have the equivalent to Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I used all three, replaced all three about 4 years ago,...beat decision ever.
How I MAKE the artwork:
IPad and ProCreate. Bought them 7 years ago...haven’t killed a tree since.
Unlimited YT videos and programs to learn the software. It’s $12. That’s it. Walks over other programs without breathing hard. Exclusively for the iPad....so treat yourself to a big iPad.
I bought a used 12.9” Pro for $1100 with 1TB storage. Procreate allows layers depending on your storage space. So go big. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for software insights! Much appreciated. What platform did you use for your other site? I had a site 10 years ago through WordPress.ORG and wraparound was no problem across devices and browsers. It was always consistent, bc I used templates that were designed for both laptops and mobile/tablet devices. (And wraparound works perfectly fine for professional sites.)
That's why I'm surprised the Substack platform doesn't even include it. It's included elsewhere with no issues.
The problem with WordPress (whether it's .org or .com) is that you have to do so much of the heavy lifting on your own with coding and plugins.
I definitely hear what you're saying about wraparound text and consistency across devices and browsers, but it's very commonly featured on many platforms.
All I'm saying is I want some more options, which should be doable by Substack. And, like I said, there are lots of pros to Substack that outweigh some of the cons. I just get a little frustrated sometimes.
No, I get it -- I really do.
First off, I always used Wordpress, and still do for other business, like https://JaimeBuckley.com for artwork. Yes, the heavy lifting can be rough -- which is one of the main reasons I came here. I was tired of the work, the maintenance, and the constant hacking by people wanting to take kids reading my comics to porn sites was the last straw for me.
The mobile versions of site are common, yes, but they still (most I experience) still look questionable on my little iPhone screen. So there's definitely an argument for both sides.
But I'll say something that won't likely be brought up -- and that is keeping an impressive light on Substack...
Having the ability to custom design a site doesn't mean you should. It's like having a builder that can design the most structurally sound building, but he/she has ZERO design sense. The only thing you get in the end is an eye sore that will...never...die.
IMO Substack has created quite a perfect balance, because no matter who you are, I don't think you can screw up your own stack visually.
It might not be as visually stunning as, say a photographer displaying their skills, but you won't make the community look bad, either. That, for me is important. Snobbish of me, YES, but important.
Thing is, the moment Substack makes that change, and maybe it's what you want for your site/stack,...it also affects mine.
Forever.
So though I see your point (and I don't disagree with you either), PLUS I have a wish list myself, I've experienced far too much to inflict what I want onto the whole community. This is me, just saying I get why Substack is being cautious, and maybe, just maybe, we can't see the over-arching decisions, because this isn't my business.
SS has more than two cartoonists to take into consideration (grin).
Doable isn't the same as 'should'.
When I came to that conclusion, I asked myself, "Does NOT having such-and-such a feature make the platform less effective?"
The answer for me was "no".
...so I started building.
Hope that makes sense?
Makes sense, but I have confidence in my design abilities. And people can always just flip to the next Substack site if they don't like one or another. (I mean, some Substack sites contain borderline hate-speech, which I find more offensive and polluting than any sort of tacky design could ever be.)
Plus, the main reason I came here, aside from Substack's business model, was because I didn't want to be tied up with design and other features (because I could happily spend endless hours tweaking and perfecting those aspects). I wanted to primarily focus on my written content without getting sidetracked.
Like I said, I'd be happy if Substack just added a few more basics of design/features. I'm not asking for it to be Wordpress. Just some more of the basics.
Anyway... I enjoyed checking out your business site. Pretty awesome.
I get it. Like I said, I don't disagree with your points,...I could make them sing also. For me, it's only about how does it affect us as a whole.
Each feature will, in fact, hold all of us up to a flame...or maybe I should say, a flashlight...and then we will be compared in different ways.
That's precisely why those features are important to artists like us, though, right? Yeah, so I get it. For me, I think there's a good balance right now...and I'd love some clever ways to grow an audience tacked on instead.
I have a first tier goal of 3000 paid subscribers, then I'm happy to talk about everything else.
Hey Jaime, looks like your site is coming along great! I was just curious, how do you make some photos/artwork within posts go all the way across the screen (beyond the horizontal parameters of the text blocks for each post)? I noticed it on your site and a small handful of other sites.
On all artwork you post, if you hover your cursor over the top right corner of the art, a small bubble with 3 dots will appear. Click that and you'll get the options for 'alt text', etc...but you'll also see an option to widen the art to "large" or I believe "full-width".
Sweet. Thanks! Not sure how I missed that.
Wrapping text doesn't require knowing code. It just means your image can be on the left or right and text will "wrap" or continue on either side of the image. It can save space, looks nice and allows for smaller images. So basic. I wish Substack had it.
Yes I agree. I’m no techie and don’t want the extra headache of it not being shiny enough.
I so much agree with your POV. I was on a month-long hiatus from Substack and upon my return, I couldn't help but wonder, "is it the same Substack?" Yes, adding new features and updates is cool... until it eludes the core of the craft--writing.
I'm with Antonia. I really like to read and write. I'm not into web design.
I totally disagree. Now we can do podcasts and video. Change is the only constant, Grandma.
You know what they say...you can't teach an old dog new tricks. You can, however, continue feeding it, bathing it, and petting it.
I'm torn here. I agree with you wholeheartedly, Antonia...fled social media and my own websites, leaving all the complicated stuff behind. Thing is, I'm a cartoonist, so visual features are critical for me.
Again, I'm with you about the CSS code also...I was compelled to learn it for my other site. I just want to write, and compliment my writing with my own artwork.
What I appreciate about Substack, is it's all buttons and simple choices with customization. That's all. There's no code to worry about. It's just a combination of choices to make things look prettier. IF you want it.
It allows me to use my art in a better way, so potential readers can easily find me through a comic strip...
This is me saying I agree, but there's more to it. The powerful automated way our Substacks sell, upgrade and help us is, IMO, second to none and I'm delighted to be here. These changes, as I see it, support your point, not hinder it.
But that's me.